Healthcare
Showing 401–416 of 454 results
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Maximizing income while controlling costs
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 802
Abstract: It’s becoming harder to make money practicing medicine. Payors are trying to push physician reimbursements down; operating expenses are moving relentlessly upward. You don’t need an MBA to understand the basic arithmetic of profits in a medical practice: They’re the net result of costs subtracted from income. So profits can be increased by either raising income or reducing costs. This article discusses how to achieve both.
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How to assert more clout with health plans and hospitals
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1094
Abstract: Over the last two decades, the health care industry has undergone steady consolidation toward a few very large institutions and, perhaps as a result of that trend, the medical profession has lost a lot of clout. Some physicians have surrendered to this trend and become employees of hospitals and managed care organizations. If you prefer to remain in private practice, there may be another option for you. But it requires achieving more “bulk” in the marketplace. This article explains how to get the clout you need. A sidebar offers tips on gaining even more bargaining power.
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Another “red flag” on the regulatory front — New FACTA rules seek to curb medical identity theft
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1042
Abstract: In November 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued regulations known as “Red Flag Rules” as part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA). The purpose of the Red Flag Rules is to address the growing incidence of identity theft, including financial and medical identity theft. This article discusses the new rules and how practices can integrate the revised regs into their operations.
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Understanding the nuances of PQRI
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: The Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) is a program designed to improve the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. In general, the quality measures consist of “a unique denominator (eligible case) and numerator (clinical action) that permit the calculation of the percentage of a defined population that receive a particular process of care or achieve a particular outcome,” according to the CMS 2009 PQRI Implementation Guide. This article explains the nuances of this important Medicare-related program.
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E-mailing, E-banking … E-prescribing? — Medicare offers incentives for going electronic
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 851
Abstract: For physicians, the electronic world, love it or hate it, is here to stay. Succinctly defined, e-prescribing (sometimes called e-Rx) is the transmission of prescription or prescription-related information through electronic media. This article explores this technology and its advantages, including the fact that Medicare is now providing an incentive to those providers who are willing to use it.
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Review your Medicare ABCs to stay competitive in 2009
Spring 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 774
Abstract: Most everyone has heard the old adage “Everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten.” For medical practices in 2009, when it comes to Medicare and staying competitive, that old adage may be truer than ever. This article points out key areas, such as e-Rx and PQRI, that practices need to review to stay competitive.
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Practice builders – Taking the plunge into medical spas
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: To help boost revenue, some physicians are expanding their practices to include minimally invasive, cosmetic medical procedures. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons aren’t the only ones offering these services: Internists, ob/gyns and cardiologists are moving into the market, often providing the services through a separate facility configured as a “medical spa.” This is more than the expansion of an existing practice — it’s a new venture. Therefore, to help ensure its success, you must draft a formal business plan, based on market research and your short- and long-term goals. This article offers some tips.
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Vital Stats – Satisfy your patients; earn more money
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 168
Abstract: This issue’s “Vital Stats” takes a look at how patient opinions can positively affect physician salaries and practice revenues. Some interesting numbers published in the MGMA Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2007 Report Based on 2006 Data back up that conclusion.
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Opting out of Medicare: Is it a good move for your practice?
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 683
Abstract: The CMS proposal in early 2008 to cut physician reimbursement rates by 10% led many doctors to wonder whether participation in Medicare was a good idea for their practices. Although the rate cut wasn’t approved, the persistent paperwork and billing problems with Medicare continue. This article explores a way you can continue to see Medicare patients without some of these limitations: Opting out of the program and contracting privately with your patients.
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Plug up those revenue drains – Internal billing and coding audits can help
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 909
Abstract: Are you losing money because of holes in your billing and coding process? Conducting an internal billing and coding audit will help you plug up these potential revenue drains before your cash flow dries up. This article explains how an internal billing and coding audit can help identify whether physicians are submitting accurate claims for reimbursement — that is, coded according to CPT codes, guidelines and conventions and as required by payor payment policies.
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Fundamentals of a successful practice merger
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Rx for Practice Management / Practice Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1038
Abstract: Physician practice mergers continue to be a trend in the health care profession. And with good reason: Merging practices immediately gain access to a larger patient base and greater clout in negotiating with payors. Plus, the overhead per physician usually drops, and the two practices are often able to pool capital resources. But there can be downsides. This article explains why a merger shouldn’t be entered into lightly. A sidebar discusses the criteria that will help ensure a merger will be a success.
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Difficult times call for increasing physician efficiency and productivity
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 747
Abstract: In difficult economic times, increasing top-line revenue is a very important strategy. However, investing in risky new ventures, offices or equipment typically is not. How can practices increase revenue quickly without investing heavily in time or fixed costs? By increasing physician efficiency and productivity. This article offers some tips.
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Building a successful hospital-physician employment model
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 714
Abstract: Hospitals and health systems are employing physicians at an increased rate. Why? The economic impact of rising costs of running practices, an inability to recruit young physicians into private practice, the decrease in reimbursement and the challenges of running a private business all have physicians looking for alternatives to private practice. This article examines how organizations can mitigate the risks of this employment model.
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Key indicators: The pulse of a practice
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 964
Abstract: Well-run practices have a set of data points called “key indicators” that partner physicians track on a regular basis. This information is often conveyed in reports that go by a number of titles, including “key indicator reports,” “flash reports,” or “business markers.” What the reports all have in common is a concise measurement of the health of the practice at a given point in time — ideally, early enough to be proactive in detecting and resolving problems. This article takes a closer look at this important tool for managing practice financials.
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The economy and your practice — 4 steps to riding out the storm
Winter 2009
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1117
Abstract: The new year brings a new president with a new plan for controlling and delivering health care. And with competition for new physicians growing and patients paying more for their care than ever before, every practice needs a plan for riding out the storm. This article offers four steps for navigating the rough seas ahead.
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The importance of goal setting
Fall 2008
Newsletter: Vital Signs
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 696
Abstract: In today’s fast paced and high-demand world, the daily tasks of clinical practice and administration can get lost in day-to-day activities. Long-term goals for the practice seem to collide with the task of balancing life obligations, which results in time constraints and crisis management. Setting goals is extremely important for individuals as well as practices. This article provides three steps to goal-setting success.